The iPhone 16 launch was highly criticized last year due to its minimal upgrades and absence of new AI features at release. With this as a backdrop, many expected Samsung to leverage this moment to showcase its new flagship, the Galaxy S25. However, the anticipation surrounding the Galaxy S25 series seems to be fading, as initial reports indicate it might be just as unexciting as its Apple counterpart.
Repeating the Same Formula
Does losing the sharp edges count as an upgrade? | Image credit — PhoneArena
For some time now, Samsung has been criticized for providing minimal innovation with each phone release, with the Galaxy S25 appearing to be no different. Key elements like battery capacity, charging speeds, RAM, and even camera technology seem to be stagnating. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset might be one of the only significant upgrades coming with the new devices. Although the Galaxy S24 Ultra introduced an anti-reflective display, the Galaxy S25 appears poised to only continue this trend without offering much else. In fact, reports suggest that we may even see the loss of Bluetooth functionality for the S Pen.
The Same Old AI Features
Why are advertised AI features so underwhelming? | Image credit — Google
Industry insiders suggest that a significant selling point for the Galaxy S25 lineup will be a revamped LLM-powered Bixby AI assistant, claiming it will have exclusive Google Gemini features. The idea of an AI assistant resembling those from science fiction is exciting but, according to leaked materials, Galaxy AI doesn’t seem to stand apart from existing offerings. While there may be some neat functions like nighttime video cleanup or audio erasers for recordings, they hardly feel innovative. The marketing continues to tout the same tired features, such as crafting text or making restaurant recommendations.
The Controversy Over RAM
Variants of the Galaxy S25 are rumored to limit the availability of 16 GB of RAM to certain Asian markets only. This lack of uniformity may echo the fragmented experience seen with the iPhone 16, which offers different features based on local regulations.
Disappointment for Galaxy Fans?
I will miss this iconic look. | Image credit — PhoneArena
The Galaxy S25 series appears to be shaping up as another underwhelming iteration, paralleling the perceived shortcomings of the iPhone 16. If Samsung fails to deliver anything remarkable, it may be time for consumers to consider alternatives beyond the familiar giants of Samsung and Apple. As the unveiling approaches, we will soon discover whether the Galaxy S25 will reveal itself as an extraordinary smartphone or a forgettable addition to the market.
